QuickTake:

The “student card” program now extended to the Bethel School District distributes Eugene Public Library cards through schools, eliminating the need to visit the library — in some cases, with a parent — to access resources.

Bethel School District students will receive free ready-to-use Eugene Public Library student cards beginning this month.

The roughly 4,850 K-12 students who go to the district’s 11 schools are now eligible for the student cards, reflecting a “growing partnership” between the district and the library, a press release states.

The library already offers free “standard” library cards to students enrolled in the Bethel and 4J districts — and to children under 5 years old who live in the districts. But signing up for those cards requires a visit to the library, and cardholders under 16 must bring a parent. 

The “student card” program removes that barrier, distributing library cards to students through their schools. The districts and library will automatically renew the cards each school year and will issue them to any new students.

Using the cards, students can immediately access the library’s online resources, like e-books, audiobooks, research information, live homework help by professional tutors, streaming films and music. Students can borrow five physical items at a time, including books, comics, DVDs, CDs, art and technology tools, games and puppets.

“School libraries do an amazing job of serving students onsite,” Eugene Public Library Director Angela Ocaña said. “Now, Bethel students will additionally have automatic access to their larger public library, too. We’re overjoyed to get library cards into the hands of even more kids and teens in our community so they can benefit from endless opportunities for learning and fun.”

The student card program first began with Eugene School District 4J in December 2023.

Bethel students can upgrade their cards to the standard version for free by calling or visiting the library, and those who already have standard library cards can choose to keep both cards or cancel one. 

Parents had the option of opting out of the program before its launch, the release states. Bethel School District will provide $2,000 per year to support the student card project. 

“Libraries open the door to reading, learning and exploration, and access to books is essential for helping students and families build joyful learning communities where students can thrive,” Bethel School District Superintendent Kraig Sproles said. “We’re grateful to partner with the City of Eugene and the Eugene Public Library to connect our students with these valuable resources.”

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Grace Chinowsky graduated from The George Washington University with a degree in journalism. She served as metro editor, senior news editor and editor in chief of the university’s independent student newspaper, The GW Hatchet, and interned at CNN and MSNBC. Grace covers Eugene’s city government and the University of Oregon.